Woman killed in officer-involved shooting

December 29, 2012

MARTINSBURG - One female was killed in a shooting early Friday morning involving police officers, according to a press release issued by the Martinsburg Police Department.

Officers responded to a report around 3 a.m. that a woman was being held at gunpoint by a second woman at 108 S. Georgia Ave., according to the release.

The woman who said she was being held at gunpoint, later identified as Tiffany Lee Overholser, told dispatch that she could not provide any other information and advised there were other people in the residence.

Two MPD officers arrived first on the scene and approached the front door of the residence, at which time they observed someone looking through the window blinds, according to the release. Officers did not continue further to the house.

Overholser then opened and exited the front door and brandished a handgun, according to the release. She took several steps forward while pointing the gun at one of the officers. Both officers fired several rounds "to neutralize the threat," according to the release.

Officers attempted to perform lifesaving measures and contacted medical personnel while on the scene, according to the release. The handgun, a loaded 40-caliber Glock, was secured by officers.

Overholser was transported to City Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. An autopsy was to be performed in Morgantown later Friday, according to the release.

A search of the residence was conducted, and it was determined that other occupants were asleep during the incident, according to the release. Officers also determined Overholser was the complainant and that there was no incident involving a second female.

Family members advised officers that Overholser had attempted suicide on several occasions in the past, according to the release. A motive for Overholser's action is still being investigated.

Both officers involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave, according to the release. Police chief Kevin Miller could not be reached for further comment.

Officers were assisted by the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.

The West Virginia State Police are handling the investigation of the incident, the release said.

The South Georgia Avenue address is listed with the West Virginia Secretary of State's office, under the organizer name David Overholser, as the principal office and mailing address of Center Mass Arms, LLC.

The business registered to change its address in June from 72 Lusitano Lane in Martinsburg.

The gun dealer lists a variety of firearms inventory on its website, such as rifles, shotguns, pistols and revolvers.

Center Mass Arms' articles of organization to the WVSOS office list the business purpose as the "Internet sale of firearms, with occasional gun auctions." It also states little or no inventory is kept on site.

Center Mass Arms is listed in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms FFL database.

David Overholser's relationship with the decedent is not known at this time.